Hometown: Springfield, OH
Age on Race Day: 10
Diagnosis: Gene deletion, Adrenal Insufficiency, and Hypothyroidism
When Finn was just a few hours old, he was moved to intensive care with hypothermia and hypoglycemia. After five days in the Dublin Methodist neonatal intensive care unit, part of Nationwide Children's Hospital’s neonatal network, he stabilized with normal test results. Finn was discharged with instructions for his parents to follow up with his pediatrician in the morning.
That night proved difficult. The next morning, still concerned by his condition, Finn’s parents, Ashley and Brian, requested the doctor take his temperature. When the thermometer read 93.2 degrees, he was rushed to Nationwide Children's emergency room. Finn was quickly admitted and tests were run. They revealed hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and a genetic gene deletion related to pituitary and optic nerve development.
Finn responded well to medications and left the NICU after 13 days. As his family adjusted to the new routine of medications and follow-up appointments, they noticed he wasn’t meeting developmental milestones. With support from physical therapy and hormone injections, Finn began to thrive. Over the next two years, Finn worked with physical therapists, ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, and speech therapists. Each specialist played a role in helping him reach milestones and build independence.
Today, Finn continues to attend regular follow-up appointments with several clinics including genetics and pulmonology. He recently began seeing the ENT team at Nationwide Children’s to treat recurring sinus infections.
“We would not be where we are today without all the exceptional care we have received and the commitment the teams have taken to ensure we have a happy, healthy child,” shares Ashley.
